Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

~ John W. Howell
“Hey, Lucy. It’s Friday. Want to play?”
“Calamari?”
“Yup.”
“Toss the squid.”
“I don’t have an opposable thumb.”
“Run it over then.”

Another week rolls along. Eight more hours, and we can all jump into a giant container of our favorite coping substance.

This has been a pretty quiet week. I have pretty much tended to the blog, and that’s about all.

I am trying to put together some data that can be used to query agents. One of the cardinal rules of a query is you must tailor the information to match the specific needs of the agent. This means that a wholesale generalized query letter will probably hit the trash. I am doing the research now. Also, I’m working on a blurb and synopsis.

None of what I’m doing will be a waste should I decide to go ahead and self-publish again. So I look upon the work as necessary.

We had some much-needed rain this week. It was the gentle stuff that does some good as opposed to the frog strangler type, which just ends up flooding the low lands.

After a couple of days of fewer reported cases of the Coronavirus, yesterday saw an increase. Of course, the stock market responded to the fear. Since a vaccine is twelve months off, we all need to be mindful of the basics of prevention. This is true for the flu as well as Coronavirus. 1. Wash hands a lot, especially if you frequent public areas. 2. Sneeze or cough into a tissue or your sleeve. 3. Get the rest you need. 4. Wear a quality germ mask if you have to fly.

Today’s JohnKu talks about personal responsibility in staying well. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Our Health by John W. Howell ©2020

The government is,

able to do just so much . . .

We need to take charge.

79 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF”

  2. Great Haiku, John, and on-the-nail advice re viruses. The query research sounds good. We continue with strong winds and heavy rains over here … I might have to sneak inside a chew toy and mail myself over to you guys, lol. Have a wonderful weekend 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I don’t have mysophobia either. I have infusions every six weeks that suppress my immune system so I have to be very careful in public. In the last ten years I have been very fortunate. You are right about the weird stuff out there. Thanks, GP.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Excellent JohnKu. I think it is worth the effort to send out query letters. Stay warm and sneeze into your elbow. It’s much better than a tissue, no immediate hand washing needed. Happy Friday!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Wishing you a lot of success with your research and queries, John. I need to do the same, but my WIP isn’t ready yet.

    We’ve got lots of sunshine today but it’s only 22. The weekend prediction is for lots of sun and low 50s. I can’t wait! I’m thrilled winter is on the downward slide behind us. Happy Friday!

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Ah a two-fer day. mysophobia and a huge container of favorite coping substance. Coping substance is just a touch more obscure than philosophy sauce. I like that. I had never heard of mysophobia. And I agree with the petri dish comment. They change the air filters on a jet every time the airline gets a new plane. When my wife finally managed to talk me into flying I got the most horrendous sinus infection. And wild dreams for three straight nights. I would rather the favorite coping substance. Enjoy the weekend John.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. I’m flying next Saturday, hopping onto a cruise ship on Sunday. The thought of wearing a mask makes me shudder. Here’s to all contaminated people staying away!

    Liked by 1 person

        1. Make sure you don’t touch your face unless you have washed your hands or used sanitizer. Don’t take ice with your drink (That ice bin is a science project) Take a damp paper towel in a baggie and make sure the inside of your nose remains hydrated throughout the flight. This is the only way you can filter out germs in the low humidity in the plane.

          Liked by 1 person

        3. I have a compromised immune system so believe me I know how to prevent infection. It has been ten years since I’ve had a cold even. Prior to learning how to protect myself I was always sick with the flu or pneumonia.

          Liked by 1 person

  17. So true that the government can only do so much with an epidemic, especially when the CDC’s budget has been slashed over the last couple of years. One of my coworkers came into work on Monday, sneezing and congested and getting into my personal space. We work in public health. Go figure. Happy Friday, John, and have a great weekend!

    Liked by 2 people

  20. Good for you, John! I haven’t looked into a query letter yet, but have thought of going traditionally published a time or two. Are you aiming for the big five, is it now?
    We’ve had a few cases of the Coronavirus here in British Columbia. It worries me that the people coming home are only under a fourteen day quarantine. I’d like to see that lengthened for everyone’s safety.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m just looking for an agent that can sell my stuff. Big five or no doesn’t make any difference. if a publisher can come up with a marking plan and an advance i’m in. if not then it’s self publish again cause I don’t need to hand someone a piece of royality to do what I can do. I just would like someone else to do it for once. I agree on the fourteen days. I think it should be longer too. On top of that I don’t think the Chinese are being honest about the number of cases.

      Liked by 2 people

  22. Good advice, John, and it’s a timely reminder. I’ve always been an avid hand-washer, even in the winter, so here’s hoping more folks pick up the habit! Good luck with the agent search and the querying!

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Hi, John! I just finished with a Pitchfest on Savvy Authors where I was able to pitch to agents and editors. If you’re interested, I can let you know when they do it again. It never hurts to query. If you never put a line in the water, you cannot catch a fish. Love the JohnKU!

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.